Inflatable Enclosure and Inflatable Enclosure System

ABSTRACT

An inflatable enclosure comprises a plurality of modular inflatable wall structures connected to one other, the inflatable wall structures comprising inflatable walls and supporting structures. An inflatable enclosure system comprises a plurality of modular inflatable wall structures, at least one entrance module, and fans connected to the inflatable wall structure of the inflatable enclosure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 USC §119 on the Patent Cooperation Treaty application PCT/CN2009/000508, filed on May 11, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an inflatable arena, and more particularly, an inflatable arena enclosure in which paintball and other games may be played.

BACKGROUND

People enjoy outdoor activities such as golf, tennis and paintball. Of course, these activities require a field/arena to partake in the particular sport. A traditional field or arena setup normally employs a series of wood or metal poles with netting or mesh attached thereto to form an enclosure. Such poles must be buried deep into the ground to ensure secure installation of the poles, and support cables or ropes may also be required to maintain the poles in an upright position. These existing products require a great deal of effort to erect and to get into a condition for use, such as digging holes, mixing concrete (to use as additional support for a pole, for example). This preparation also requires time and cost.

Accordingly, in light of the disadvantages in the prior art, what is needed is an inflatable enclosure and enclosure system that overcome all of these disadvantages

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is designed to replace a traditional field/arena. The disclosure is an inflatable enclosure system, comprising self-standing inflatable wall structures, which structures provide the ability to change the field size as needed. The inflatable system does not require construction work and can be erected quickly and immediately.

The inflatable enclosure disclosed herein comprises a plurality of wall structures. The modular wall structures include an inflatable wall unit and inflatable bracing members, with the bracing member comprising, in an embodiment, a triangle-shaped brace between a wall unit and a support member. The inflatable enclosure system described herein comprises a plurality of inflatable enclosure and fans connected to the wall structures of at least one inflatable enclosure of the plurality of inflatable enclosures.

The inflatable enclosure and enclosure system disclosed herein can be made from soft and flexible material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tarp (which material is less expensive than metal of traditional field or arena construction). As the inflatable enclosure system is formed by modular wall structures, it will be apparent that the size and shape of the field or arena formed by the system can be changed as needed. The triangle bracing supports eliminate the cables and poles. The inflatable enclosure and enclosure system accordingly are complete, self-contained and easier and safer to use than the prior art systems.

At the bottom/base of the support structure, there may be space where a user can place ballast (such as sand bags, for example), so as to make the whole structure of the enclosure more stable.

For a modular inflatable wall structure of the present disclosure, connecting sections on the outside surface thereof so that multiple wall structures may be connected to each other. Also provided on each inflatable wall structure is a duct/vent for corresponding connection with a matching duct/vent an adjoining wall structure/. It will be apparent that, in this configuration, an air circulation path will be created through the various wall structures and the structure formed by the various all structures will comprise a complete unit with air flowing through all structures.

As mentioned above, the inflatable modular wall structure can be made from a flexible material such as PVC tarp, and preferably from a material that can be welded or glued together to reduce air leaking from the seams.

The enclosure system also preferably includes at least one entrance module. The entrance module may connect to other inflatable wall structures. The entrance module forms a space where players can get enter and leave the field formed by the enclosure.

The enclosure system also comprises includes all the modular wall structures, at least one entrance module, as well as blowers or fans. The blowers or fans are used to inflate components of the inflatable enclosure system.

In summary, the enclosure system creates a safe playing field, is easy to set up, has a lower building cost and is flexible in allowing size changes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an inflatable enclosure system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a modular inflatable wall structure, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a connection of two modular inflatable wall structures, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows another perspective view of a connection of two modular inflatable wall structures, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 shows an entrance module, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary configuration of an inflatable enclosure system is shown, which configuration portrays a field in which a paintball game can be played. As shown, the inflatable enclosure system 10 comprises a plurality of modular inflatable wall structures 1 and 2 and entrance module 3. The wall structures 1 and 2 comprise inflatable walls and a supporting structure, which wall and support structure, when assembled, form a bracing support system, which system may be triangular-shaped. In this manner, each modular wall structure may be self-standing without requiring any additional or separate support.

The inflatable wall structure 1 comprises an inflatable frame and a mesh or porous region within the frame. The inflatable wall structure 2 comprises two inflatable frames with mesh or porous region within each frame. The entrance module 3 is preferably formed of by a plurality of walls to create a space, which such space can be used as a warm-up area for a player before the game and as an entrance/exit for a player. The entrance module is inflatable and is connectable to a modular wall structure. As shown in FIG. 1, the inflatable enclosure system 10 may have two entrance modules 3, however, it will be apparent that the quantity of the entrance can be adjusted based on the size of the field or other preference of the user. It will also be apparent that an entrance module is not required for the inflatable enclosure system disclosed herein. That is, the inflatable enclosure system can be set up without the entrance module, with players instead entering and exiting the enclosed playing area via a gap between modular wall structures.

It will be apparent that the above illustration of the enclosure system forming a paintball field is exemplary only and that the enclosure system can be used for any other game requiring an enclosure, such as soccer, football, tennis, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 2 to FIG. 5, detailed descriptions of the components of the enclosure system are shown.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of a modular inflatable wall structure 1, and FIG. 3 shows an exemplary connection between two modular inflatable wall structures. As shown in FIG. 2, a modular wall structure comprises an inflatable wall and a supporting structure. The inflatable wall includes upper beam 101, lower base 102, poles 103 and 104, which beam, base, and poles form an inflatable frame, in which frame a mesh or porous material or netting is secured. The particular material is dependent in part on the game for which the enclosure or system is to be used. The supporting structure comprises bases 105 and 106 and braces 107 and 108. Bases 105 and 106 attach to the lower base 104 of the frame at a 90 degree angle. One end of bracing poles 107, 108 connects to an upper end of frame poles 103, 104, and the other end of the bracing poles 107, 108 connects to base 105, 106. Accordingly, poles 103 and 104, bases 105 and 106, and bracing poles 104 and 108, may form a triangular-shaped supporting structure. In this way, an inflatable wall structure 1 can stand freely without requiring additional or outside support mechanisms.

Components of the modular inflatable wall structures 1 and 2 are preferably hollow, and, the wall structure components may be made with fused or glued seams to reduce leakage of air from the components and to increase the stability of the wall structure.

Upper beam 101 and lower base 102 extend horizontally and connects with poles 103 and 104, forming a square or rectangle or other shape frame. Within the frame, mesh or other porous fabric will be used to depending of different requirement of different games.

On bases 105 and 106, air outlets 118 may be provided, where air can be exhausted to facilitate deflating the inflatable wall. In another embodiment air outlets 118 are not provided on base 105 or 106, but are instead disposed on lower base 102.

On sides of poles 103 and 104 that are distal to the interior of the frame formed the wall structure 1, is connecting flap 112 (as shown in the FIG. 2.) Through connecting flap 112, two or more modular inflatable wall structures can connect to each other. As shown by way of example in FIGS. 2 and 3), one connecting flap 112 can use Velcro® to connect to another connecting flap 112′. Connecting flap 112 may be made from the same or similar material as the modular inflatable wall structure (such as PVC tarp), such that when wall structures are connected to each other by way of the connecting flaps 112, the flexibility of the materials can accommodate uneven ground level or surfaces. Connecting flap 112 may extend from top to the bottom, so when they connect, form the complete cover on the gap between inflatable walls.

On the sides of the base 105 and 106 that are distal to the interior of the frame of the wall structure 1, there is a plurality of connecting ducts 114. When a first modular inflatable wall structure connects to second wall structure, an air duct 114 of the first wall structure will also connect to an air duct of the second wall structure so that the air can flow freely between wall structures. FIG. 2 shows the air duct 114 as a square shape, however, it will be apparent that the duct 114 may be in other shapes such as a rectangular or round shape. In proximity to the area of air duct 114, Velcro® can be used so that when two wall structures connect to each other, the corresponding air ducts 114 will match each other and securely connect by way of the Velcro®. To ensure the strong connection between wall structures, straps or buckles can be used to tie base 105 and 106 of adjoining wall structures.

On a side of at least one of base 105, 106 and/or lower base 102, an air inlet 123 is disposed, wherein a blower or other supply of air may be attached to provide air to inflate a modular inflatable wall structure 1. The air inlet 123 can be rolled up and stored within the base or lower base when not in use.

It is not shown in the drawings, however, it will be apparent that open storage space can be provided in lower base 102 and base 105 and 106, where weighting items, such as sand bags, water bags, and the like can be placed to hold down the modular inflatable wall structure.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a modular inflatable wall structure 2 of the present disclosure, wherein the wall structure further comprises medial support elements 120, 121, and 122.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of an entrance module 3. The entrance module 3 comprises a front frame 310, a back frame 320, side frames 330 and 340 that join the front and back frames, and side lower bases 331 and 341. The front frame 310 comprises horizontal beam 311 and vertical poles 312 and 313. The front frame 310 includes a panel of mesh or porous fabric or other material on the interior of the frame 310. The front frame 310 mesh panel further comprises an opening 315 through which where players can enter or exit an inflatable enclosure system of the present disclosure. The back frame 320 includes horizontal beam 321 and vertical poles 322 and 323. The back frame 320 includes a panel of mesh or porous fabric or other material on the interior of the frame 320. The back frame 320 mesh panel comprises opening 325 where players can enter or exit an inflatable enclosure system of the present disclosure. Side lower bases 331 and 341 attach to front frame 310 at a lower end 312 and 313 of front frame 310 and to back frame 320 at a lower end 322 and 323 of back frame 320.

Upper beam 330, poles 322 and 312, and lower base 331 form a frame, which frame includes a panel 332 of mesh or porous fabric or other material on the interior of the frame. Upper beam 340, poles 323, poles 313 and lower base 341 form a frame, which frame includes a panel 342 of mesh or porous fabric or other material on the interior of the frame. Upper beams 330, 340, 311 and 321 form a frame, which frame includes a panel 324 of mesh or porous fabric or other material on the interior of the frame. In an embodiment, back frame 320 have a greater height than front frame 310, causing beam 330 and 340 to have a sloped configuration. Upper beams 330 and 340, poles 312, 313, 322, and 323 and lower bases 331 and 341 may connect to front frame 310 and back frame 320 by way of fasteners such as Velcro®, zippers, etc.

On exterior sides of entrance module (along poles 322 and 323), connecting flaps 326 are disposed, which flaps may be used connect one entrance module to a modular inflatable wall structure or another entrance module. Also disposed on exterior sides of lower base 331 and 341, connecting air ducts 333 may be disposed, which ducts 333 may correspond in size and configuration to air ducts of the modular inflatable wall structure of the present disclosure.

Lower base 331 and 341 of entrance module may further comprise storage space, wherein weighting items (such as sand bags or water bags) can be placed to hold down the entrance module. Lower base 331 and 341, and poles 312, 313, 322 and 333, may further comprise air outlets to exhaust air out of these components for deflation purposes. Such air outlets can also be used as air inlets to which a blower or fan can be connected to provide air for the inflation.

All panels in embodiments described herein can be either mesh or fabric, depending on particular application of the enclosure or system. A banner can also be applied to a panel for advertising purposes.

The enclosure and system illustrated herein shows two or three triangular brace support structures. It will be apparent that the quantity of such triangle brace support structures may increase depending on wall size.

The inflatable enclosure system 10 described herein comprises at least one modular inflatable wall structure 1 and/or 2 as well as entrance module 3. The structures and entrance module(s) connect with each other to form a complete enclosure. The enclosure will be made from flexible material (such as PVC) and be erected and inflated via blowers. It should be noted that prior art inflatable products are sewn and stitched together to form the shape. The drawback for the sewn/stitched inflatable is there are lots of needle holes around the seam where the air will leak out. This air leaking from the seam may not be an issue for a smaller-sized inflatable object. However, when the inflatable object is larger, the air leaking from the seam will be an issue, which means that you need more power to supply air flow to offset the leaking air. The present disclosure uses glue, welding and/or fuse technology so that the seams do not have needle holes, so as to reduce the air leak dramatically. Of course, the said present disclosure can be made in traditional stitch/sewn way too.

The preferred embodiments of the disclosure described here are exemplary, and numerous modifications, variations, and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve an equivalent result, all of which are intended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An inflatable enclosure system comprising a plurality of modular inflatable wall structures, wherein said wall structures include inflatable walls and a support structure, the wall structures and supporting structure forming a triangular bracing structure.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said inflatable walls comprise a wall frame and a mesh region inside said frame.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said inflatable walls comprise inflatable beams and poles and wherein said supporting structure comprises an inflatable base, which base connects to a first end of a first pole of said inflatable wall at one end of the base, and which base connects to an end of a second pole, which second pole connects to a second end of a first pole, and which first pole, second pole, and base form a triangular structure.
 4. The inflatable walls of claim 3, wherein said base of said supporting structures further comprise a weighted item stored within said base.
 5. The inflatable walls of claim 3, wherein said base of said supporting structures further comprise an air duct or vent disposed on an exterior portion of said base, which air duct or vent of an inflatable wall may correspond to an air duct or vent of an adjacent inflatable wall to allow air to flow from an inflatable wall to an adjacent inflatable wall.
 6. The inflatable walls of claim 3, wherein an exterior side of the wall poles of the inflatable walls comprise a flap, said flap capable of removably attaching an inflatable wall to an adjacent inflatable wall.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the modular inflatable wall structures comprise a flexible material and a hollow structure wherein air may be directed to inflate the wall structures, and wherein said flexible material may be glued, welded or fused to form the structures.
 8. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one entrance module, the inflatable entrance module capable of being connected to the modular inflatable wall structures to form an enclosure.
 9. The entrance module of claim 8, the module further comprising an opening for entry into and exit out of the enclosure.
 10. The inflatable enclosure system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a supply of pressurized air for inflating the modular inflatable wall structures. 